Lens manager opposes PSG fixture postponement ahead of Liverpool tie
Lens manager Pierre Sage has firmly opposed Paris St-Germain’s potential request to postpone their crucial Ligue 1 match ahead of the Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool.
The top-flight encounter is currently scheduled for 11 April, falling squarely between the two legs of the high-stakes European tie.
Speculation had mounted that the fixture could be moved to aid the Parisians following their recent European victory over Chelsea.
However, the Lens boss has publicly rejected any suggestion of accommodating the current league leaders.
Title race tensions
The upcoming clash represents a vital top-of-the-table meeting, with the Blood and Gold trailing the reigning champions by just a single point.
Any final decision regarding schedule changes will ultimately rest with the French Professional Football League.
Sage pointed out that his own squad has previously been forced to endure congested fixture lists without assistance.
“We don’t agree with a postponement. There is only one date and we don’t have to put up with that,”
Sage stated.
“We played a Coupe de France match on a Thursday and had to play against Metz on Sunday.”
“I understand that having more rest allows you to perform better, but it is a club that is performing well, who are in a lot of competitions, so they know the constraints.”
Injury concerns for the French champions
Luis Enrique’s side reclaimed top spot in domestic action this weekend with a comprehensive 4-0 away victory over Nice.
That result followed Lens briefly taking the summit after a resounding 5-1 thrashing of Angers.
However, the current league leaders suffered a double injury blow during their latest triumph.
Midfielders Senny Mayulu and Kang-in Lee were both forced off the pitch, adding to existing fitness concerns ahead of the European clash.
The French giants are already navigating the absence of forward Bradley Barcola, who remains sidelined with a sprained ankle.
Liverpool stumble domestically
Meanwhile, their upcoming European opponents have entered the international break recovering from a damaging domestic defeat.
Arne Slot’s men suffered a major setback in their pursuit of top-four qualification after losing to Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
A brace from Danny Welbeck ensured the Merseyside outfit dropped vital Premier League points.
The Reds could have climbed back into the Champions League qualification spots had other results favoured them over the weekend.
